The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. ), In the picture below, the normal route of the Devil's Backbone Trail is visible on left and the Devil's Backbone Ridge continues upward in the middle of the picture, Looking back down the Devil's Backbone Ridge after you climb to the top, This part of the ridge is two inches wide (at the most), View Mt. His name was Sam. San Antonio. From Baldy Notch, you take a very steep trail up towards the beginning of the Devils backbone. San Antonio, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. The Devil's Backbone is the sharp ridge extending due east from the summit of Mt. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. What is Hiker Therapy and how did it evolve? This a broad area is just after the Manker Flat Campground. Mount San Antonio is known as Baldy because there are no trees on the bare southern face of the mountain. Hiking Socks Approx 14 miles. six smoked, skin-on 1st and 2nd joint wings with choice of bar-b-q sauce. Difficulty: Strenuous. Make a left at Falls Road. Maybe you'd like to add it as a new route. It is the most dangerous zone on Mt. Wear sunscreen, comfortable warm clothes and shoes. Approx. Exit Baseline Road, Claremont from the 210 FWY only. Do not do this hike in the winter unless you are a mountaineer with alpine meadows ice/snow travel experience. Whitney or Half Dome. There are steep slopes on both sides of the trail. From here, this is the steepest part of the route in which you gain about 800 feet in a quarter of a mile. Baldy is one of the most prominent mountains with some amazing 360 degree views over Southern California. When reaching the summit we will take a longer break depending on the temperature and wind. MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT? Baldy Road. Soon we crest the top of the mountain and my pain and breathlessness turns to shear joy and a remarkable sense of accomplishment as we reach the summit of the mountain. Verify to immediately update business information, respond to reviews, and more! Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' After about 10mins you'll see a sign and there are 3 different paths to different hikes (3 tree top, From here, you can choose to ride the lift down or hike another 3 miles down to, The first section starts off paved up until San, Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about. It is quite an experience, even a spiritual one, to be on the summit of this magnificent mountain. More. In 7.2 miles, go past Mt. Take the Mountain Ave. / Mount Baldy exit from either freeway, which is located in the city of Upland and head north towards the mountains. Perhaps 15 people can sleep here. At this point one other hiker was at the top and we asked him to take our picture. When you take the turn off to the left off of the fire road, head up the trail that goes to the Sierra Club Ski Hut. Baldy in the Summer #mtbaldy #mtsanantonio #hiking #mountainclimbing #sixpackofpeaks #socalhiking #socal #solohiker #femalehiker #outdoors". : No. If you follow the ridge up, you will find several class 4 climbs. At the end of Falls Road, the path makes a big U-turn at San Antonio Falls. It then ascends over a dozen little switchbacks at the western edge of the Baldy Bowl. Where do I get a National Forest Adventure Pass? It follows the edge of a narrow ridge (the Devil's Backbone) and then snakes along the edge of some steep slopes. This man is totally amazing, never mind for a 74 year old, but for anyone who takes on Mt. Harwood. You will come to a distinct flat spot, about 3/8 of a mile below the Baldy Notch Trail. In this clockwise loop, you take the Ski Hut Trail to the summit, follow the Devils Backbone to the Notch, and take the fireroad back to the trailhead. Harwood via Ski Hut Trail, May 30, 2015. Trailhead, September 2012. Baldy Notch - Devil's Backbone Trail Both hikes depart from Manker Flats and can be combined into one scenic and challenging 11.3-mile loop with 3,900 feet of elevation gain. Not only was this a great place to camp but also the trail-head start to Mt. San Antonio greet us. HIKE PREREQUISITE: Must have completed a LATH hike Level 7+ and up with no problem. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced hiker, please read our hike details page as the hike may not suite your experience level. As the summit of San Antonio draws closer, the geography turns from sparse vegetation and greenery to the starkness of small rocks, gravel and what the surface of the moon must look like. Baldy Road. Baldy Lodge , very good food in a rustic setting in Mt. The hike to the summit of Mt. Dynamite work ethic however with a warm customer service specialty! 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Baldy, authorities said. Turn right to stay on Mt. HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THIS HIKE? Baldy Road and drive for 11.5 miles past Mt. Find homes for sale, market statistics, foreclosures, property taxes, real estate news, agent reviews, condos, neighborhoods on Blockshopper.com San Antonio (Baldy) Trail, Incredible Experience! I was amazing, and we did get tips from pro hikers. | Mr and Mrs Adventure, https://metropolitanmolly.com/2021/06/14/hiking-mount-baldy-how-to-successfully-conquer-the-tallest-mountain-in-the-angeles-national-forest-summer-edition/, From the summit of Mount Baldy after hiking 4.5 miles up, By riding the Mount Baldy ski lift up 1,500 feet in elevation to Baldy Notch, By hiking 3.5 mile up a dirt road from Manker Flats to Baldy Notch. Turn left on the trail and head west toward the summit of Mt. Oddly, my son seemed to suffer none of the same effects! The Trail is Open and its a heck of a climb!Saw a Bobcat on the way up too! Mt. @ Mt. Mt Baldy and Devils Backbone Trail Report May 31st, 2020, return via Sierra Ski Hut Trail. This part of the ridge is exposed, narrow, and cluttered with boulders, one of which is over 7 feet tall (in the winter with the accumulation of snow, it is much taller). We even saw the ridge line of the Devils Backbone, which leads to the Baldy summit. The Scariest Section Of Devil's Backbone Trail (Mt. Snowshoes, crampons and ice axe may be needed in wintertime depending on snowpack. Baldy, so named due to its spareness on top, quite an impressive sight, since we were still miles away. Devil's Backbone, Mt. Although the numerous hikes that I had done in San Diego over the past 5 months were challenging and I did see tremendous hiking growth take place, hiking to the summit of a 10,064 foot mountain was a dramatic change from the nearest challenging hike of Mt. The Do share! And in fact, I included Baldy as peak #3 in my Six-Pack of Peaks progressive training series. The most common and the one this Website describes, is to take the ski lift (open on weekends, 8 AM to 5 PM) up to Baldy Notch Ski Lodge and then take the westerly trail over the Devil's Backbone, across the southern side of Mt. Lol I thought I was going to do a loop like Claremont.. but I was very wrong. Baldy Summit. Otherwise, the way back is a wide and level fire road back to the trailhead. 16 Miles. You can reach Baldy Notch by: Baldy Notch: Follow the fire road up to the beginning of the Devils Backbone Trail. Turn North (right) on Padua, follow for a mile to the light. Baldy, San Gabriel Mountains, California We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike youre not ready for. (5 ), Mt. There is a white gate and blue porta-potty to landmark the start. As we came upon the Ski Hut, the trail at this point had leveled off a bit and although still had dips and turns, it was not nearly as steep or Cree covered as the previous part of the route had been. Distance: 11 miles (clockwise loop) One of these five really made an impression not only on us but everyone else who met him as well. The Top of the Notch restaurant and bar is a great spot for refueling. Check out our other hikes -Mt Baldy https://youtu.be/1v28_su0Mhs-Mt San Gorgonio https://youtu.be/h_BT4GJLpgA-Half Dome https://youtu.be/udfoUshBz0M-Mt Wilso. When I first considered doing this hike with my son, I must admit that the intimidation factor was high and did not lessen the more I researched this hike. The trail to the summit begins at Manker Flats trailhead and we take the winding fire road up to Baldy Notch at which we will take a break. Im imagining its like a regular ski lift that comes up behind you and you sit on it. So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. San Antonio or as Southern Californians fondly call it Mt. 3. Baldy is its first peak. LATH HIKE LEADS: Carol Martinez & Janiece Cordova, MEETING TIME: 5:00am 5:15am Please be on time. Baldy is its first peak. GEAR REQUIREMENTS: WATER (at least 3 liters). This hike was on my must conquer list for a while! stopping along the way to take it all in, not to mention to rest. Directions to Trailhead. San Antonio and back! Stay on the ridge, which is pretty steep, and keep climbing up. Continue to the saddle and then on the ridge or slightly to the north side, to the top of MT Baldy. So many nicknames for one mountain, I know! Although it is only 4.4 miles in distance the Ski Hut trail proved to be as challenging if not more challenging than the route we choose to ascend the mountain over the Devils Backbone. Above the Ski Hut, the trail hits a rocky patch. Wool (Hiking) Socks. Follow the Mt Baldy Rd. Harwood. Not my choice, as I was lost in a whiteout) and summertime (May 22, 2020. : HikerTherapy | "Elevate Your Mind, Body and Soul" 760-215-2112hikrtherapy@gmail.com 0 Items Welcome Mark Lees, M.A., CADC- CAS What is Hiker Therapy and how did it evolve? Baldy and Mt. Baldy Road come into view, a reassuring sign to our tired feet and bodies that we were almost home! Gators and eye protection (sunglasses). We decided to ascend on the ski hut trail and come down on the devil's backbone so we can enjoy a loop. Baldy is the highest peak in San Gabriel Mountains and the highest point in Los Angeles County. Flashlight (should we encountertwilight/darkness upon return) Just stay on the access road until you reach a four-way junction; then look up the road to the left and you'll see the ski lodge. Why not combine some of the routes into a big loop? The other thing I wanted to do at the summit is find the coveted MT SAN ANTONIO BALDY 10,064 plaque and have my picture taken with my son standing hovering over it. Wish we had stuff like this in Minnesota! Walking out onto this rock will really give you "butterflies" because it's about a 2,000 foot drop to Stockton Flats below - quite a view! At 10,064 feet above sea level, the snow often sticks around well into June. Devil's Backbone! Devil's Backbone Trail Area Status: Closed The Devil's Backbone Trail is currently CLOSED until further notice. In order to submit a comment to this post, please write this code along with your comment: 1a4b715ba3ed8c654c79b92916eaa98a. Navigate; Linked Data; Dashboard; Tools / Extras Turn left again at Mt. This is a good training for anyone preparing for more advanced hikes such as Mt. Baldy, claiming many lives during winter. The beauty of the near and far mountains and canyons is magnificent! Soon we were hearing the roar of San Antonio Falls, the same falls we had first encountered on our ascent. On a hot day this road can be quite hot and exposed so bring sunscreen! Coming down the first part of the ridge, the trail veers left (if the hiker goes up from the Notch, the restaurant) and cuts through the mountainside, while the Devils Backbone Ridge continues upward, with narrower and more slippery foothold. Rated 5 / 5. Scarf or Facemask The views are unreal! four fried poppers, mildly spicy jalapeno halves filled with cheddar cheese At the final push up the mountain three hikers who were just starting the descent from the summit of Mt. Devil's Backbone Trail With about 800ft to the summit, the Baldy Bowl trail starts to stiffen up for the steepest climbing of the day. At the peak, there are some windbreaks next to the famous metal summit plaque. I would call this segment of the Devils Backbone Ridge Camino of Death, or Camino de la muerte, because of its perils, charms, and sheer beauty. By now the legs and lungs have grown accustomed to the steady ascent and hanging in there very well. Read the Hikes Details we link at the very top of this page. Peak Elevation: 10,064 The Notch also has 600 zip lines that are 70 above the ground. I hiked Mt. Uphills with quickgain, NoBeginners, Intermediate Hikers, No Kids, No Dogs), WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL? The Devils Back Bone, connecting the top of the hill where the ski cable car ends with the Harwood Mountain, is a ridge with steep slopes on both sides. Some hikers choose to go this route in order to find a WWII fighter plane that had crashed in the mountains after getting lost in the fog during a training mission back in he day. As we approached our campground walking back along Mt. For me just seeing the splendor of the surrounding mountains, including in the distance, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto both higher than Mt. How far is the devils backbone trail from manker flat and whats the elevation gain, Hi everyone, I wanted to share my more extensive experience hiking the Baldy Notch -> Devils slide as an out-and-back, including what I learned, what I wish I knew before, and how to prepare for the best experience on the mountain Check it out, here: https://metropolitanmolly.com/2021/06/14/hiking-mount-baldy-how-to-successfully-conquer-the-tallest-mountain-in-the-angeles-national-forest-summer-edition/, Your email address will not be published. DISTANCE: 6 - 9 Miles (Round trip). 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. Elevation Gain: 3,800 Harwood, to the summit. (When this trail is covered in ice and snow, you need crampons and an ice axe.). The Laguna Mountains: BIg Laguna Loop Hike via the Sunset, BIg Laguna and Pacific Crest Trails: 07/04/2015New Research Suggests Nature Walks are Good for Your Brain. This man had more energy than the rest of us combined. Either route there is no gas station once you exit the freeway. Objective: Summit Mt. 0.46 miles: At the junction sign Round Valley 2 , turn right and hike along Long Valley Creek. Microspikesor IceTrekkers, shoe chain traction (Highly recommended) I must say not bad for first timers. The camaraderie of joining a select few who have hiked to the summit of Mt. Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, stands at 10,064 feet and is the highest point of the San Gabriel Mountains. Other more daring climbers venture off towards the steeper chutes. Harwood, Mt. A hike to Mt. The Hut also serves as a landmark and denotes that we are a little less than half way to our final destination and starting point at Manker Flats. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. And/or the 10 FWY. San Gabriel Mountains. You can see the desert and the city of Barstow, Los Angeles in the distance and I have been told on a very clear day, the island of Catalina. Connecting with the same path we started on some 9 hours ago and seeing the white gate that signified the beginning of our journey brought with it a very satisfying feeling that we had completed what we had set out to do, hike to the summit of Mt. Baldy (via Devils Backbone) not only takes you to the top of Mt. Ohhh Mt. Coming from the Register Ridge Trail you can go to the right and head down the D.BBone to the ski lodge then back to Manker Flats. The campground is set in a very peaceful, serene pine laden forest with gorgeous mountain views at 6000+ feet. Baldy, across neighboring Mt. The Devil's Backbone is the nickname for the summit of Mount San Antonio, though better known as Mount Baldy. Gloves After about 10mins you'll see a sign and there are 3 different paths to different hikes (3 tree top, Mt. in 22 reviews, From here, you can choose to ride the lift down or hike another 3 miles down to Manker Flats. in 7 reviews, The first section starts off paved up until San Antonio Falls which is roughly a half mile up. in 5 reviews. Find Baldy's BBQ and Catering with our calendar. It follows the edge of a narrow ridge (the Devil's Backbone) and then snakes along the edge of some steep slopes. Baldy boasts an impressive 10,069 feet in elevation, making it one of the better mountains for Southern Californians to train on if you're looking to summit Whitney or hike the JMT. A Natural Fit: Therapy and exercise neednt be mutually exclusive. Baldy! DOG FRIENDLY? After he conquers the pylon we continue on to Baldy Notch and soon arrive. Mt. Baldy. Baldy Village. Hikers can actually stay at the Ski Hut which is operated by the Sierra Club. I have done it both in wintertime (December 25, 2019. At the summit are several crude rock windbreaks. All of a sudden, you can see Baldy Notch. This can be obtained at the Visitor Center in Baldy Village for $5.00 a day or $30.00 for an annual pass. Baldy Road. You can do it! Enjoy your outing! Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. San Antonio, Its A Volcano! Burger King (Parking Lot) San Antonio, which is the highest point in Los Angeles County. Hand Warmers (Optional) If you do this climb after all of the snow has melted, bring plenty of water, since there are no water sources until you get down to the SA Ski Hut, where there is a small run-off stream. There is no serious danger during the day in the summer, but the trail could be difficult at night or in snow. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." Mount Baldy via Devils Backbone Trail in the San Gabriel Mountains, The Best Way to Summit Mount Baldy! San Antonio (aka Mt Baldy) Loop via Devil's Backbone HIKE PREREQUISITE: Must have completed a LATH hike Level 7+ and up with no problem. The summit actually has two peaks: the main peak, elevation 10,068 feet (3,069 m), and a sub-peak, West Baldy, at 9,988 feet (3,044 m). I am constantly reminded how much a hike is done one step at a time, much like in life, we are only given one-step or one day at a time! Pretty much snow all the way up beyond the ski-hut, recommend crampons/microspikes and an early start when the pack is somewhat firm. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. Turn right onto Mt. In the summer, the loose and slippery scree is treacherous. Follow any of the ski runs west to the top or the ski area boundry. Even before making the trek across the backbone, its fear factor kicks in big time! 1. 0.5 miles: At the waterfall lookout, the Baldy fire road begins. Eventually, the climb up the SE Ridge meets the Baldy Notch Trail, just SE of the summit of Mt. Mt Baldy - via Devil's Backbone HIKE NAME: Mt. The trail begins on a fire road. 13 miles round trip. 32. [] 10,064 foot summit and in the end, we concluded that ascending via Baldy Bowl and descending along The Devils Backbone, making for an 11.3 mile hike, was the best route we stand by this decision (Great post []. Follow the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail route as if you are heading up to the Ski Hut. Baldy, and West Baldy along the same razor sharp ridge. Baldy: 1 - The Devil's Backbone trail approaches the summit from the east. The trail from the south is the Baldy Bowl trail, which is much shorter but much steeper. 6777 Mt Baldy Rd Mt Baldy Mount Baldy, CA 91759. http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/, https://www.facebook.com/latrailhikers/events, http://socalhiker.net/hiking-mt-san-antonio-baldy-loop-trail/, http://www.modernhiker.com/2007/11/22/hiking-mount-san-antonio-mount-baldy-and-mount-harwood/, http://www.everytrail.com/guide/mt-san-antonio-baldy-loop, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_San_Antonio. Additionally, you will not be allowed to participate with the group if you are not adequately prepared with enough water and the right gear/equipment/nutrition essential to complete the hike. Baldy, the highest point in Los Angeles County. As a pretty fit guy with a quick pace (although I do not hike very often), it took 1:45 to get from the Notch to the summit in July 2016. If the lift is running this will knock off almost 4 miles round trip and 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Over half of this trail is partially or fully-exposed to the sun. The trail is wide and right away gets your heart pumping as the road begins a steady incline ascent. This hike represented for me the epitome of what a hike can provide as far as the mental and physical challenges and benefits. Thanks for adding this good information. This hike is all about the psychological. Arriving mid-afternoon at the Manker Flats Campground,which was to be our home for the next two nights, we set up camp. Double Peak Mountain, San Marcos , CA 07/04/2017 : Hiker Therapy, Beach Hike! When my son and I had convinced ourselves, he was doing much of the convincing, that we were going to do this hike we had two goals in mind. The photo is taken pointing towards West Baldy. Baldy via the Ski Hut Trail. Most of the challenge in the descent is presented in the form of very steep terrain with a trail made up of loose gravel, small and large stones and trail dust, or as it is fondly called, Cree.. Elevation Gain: 2,369 : My family had a wonderful and memorable experience at California's last family owned ski resort; Aren't we lucky to have this treasure within 2 hours of San Diego and Los Angeles. . Baldy via the Devils Backbone as an out and back, with or without the ski lift. 11 miles: You have returned to the trailhead. Many people opt to park at the ski area parking and take the first ski lift up to Baldy Notch. After a good nights sleep we set out at 7:30am. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level. (PS: I found that my blue soft water bottle dropped out of my vest after crossing the Mouse Walk and decided not to go back to retrieve it. Literally, you straddle with one leg on one side and the other leg on the other side of the ridge. Exercise and Addiction 12 Good Reasons Go To take A Hike! You will notice that the trail makes a sharp turn towards the north as you hike up from the register box, travel up the trail approximately 40 meters past the register box. As we trekked along our buddy Sam that we met on the summit called out our names and soon was striding past us and down the trail. A 45-year-old hiker died Saturday after falling about 1,500 feet down a mountainside from a trail near Mt. Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. HIKE DURATION: 9 hrs. Please note, that we have high, experienced expectations for Level 9hikers. I recommend the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail, which has a sign along the way down that says Baldy Bowl Trail, for a descent route. . Keep your eye on the prize and when needed the trail! RECOMMENDED: Extra water besides the two liters in the hydration systems, one or two half-liter bottles of water, Extra food, Extra clothing, and Sun protection- sun screen- lip sun block sun hat- sun glasses Gloves. Baldy Road somewhat exhausted, but at the same time exhilarated, the thought that entered my mind was that this was one of the, if not the, most mentally and physically demanding experiences I have ever had, I was also thinking that it is one of my lifetime and that I am very grateful I could share this experience with my son. Turn left on Baseline Road. In addition, as Level 9experienced hikers, you must already have a good idea what to pack for these more challenging hikes. The hike to the summit of Mt. WATER CHECK WILL BE PERFORMED. Baldy boasts an impressive 10,069 feet in elevation, making it one of the better mountains for Southern Californians to train on if you're looking to summit Whitney or hike the JMT. Each of the 6-Pack is progressively higher in altitude, and all have respectable distance and vertical elevation gain. Just did this hike yesterday. Via Ski Hut, return Backbone; Hike 7-22-07; 100 photos on my Flickr. Baldy boasts an impressive 10,069 feet in elevation, making it one of the better mountains for Southern Californians to train on if you're looking to summit Whitney or hike the JMT. Contact the ski resort directly for more information and booking. 2. Later along the fire road, you need to look closely for . The trail continues its 2.7-mile ascent up to Baldy Notch. The trail is an 11.2-mile loop with nearly 4000 feet of vertical elevation gain to the 10,064-foot summit of Mt. Find out more about hiking levels here: After hiking 6.8 miles and nearly 5 hours to ascend Mt. Antonio (Mt. Register Ridge VariationAuthor: Mike ZimmermanDate: June 27, 2004 2:50 PM Follow the San Antonio Ski Hut Trail route as if you are heading up to the Ski Hut. Be prepared if this is your plan. Jacket (Must be familiarthe layering system) Mountain Ave. will turn into Mt Baldy Road and dead end into the Ski Area Parking lot. Activities Hiking The 210 FWY brings you closer to the Mountain and less city driving. (1), Additions & Corrections You know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. Speaking of right now, the hour of reckoning was here, the anticipated Devils Backbone part of the hike was upon us.